Seems like just about anything can be done on the internet these days – order a pizza, rent a movie, or even download an entire book instantly. And now the classroom-phobic and just plain busy can even take drivers ed classes online! Awesome, you may think: Why spend my weekends cooped up watching car slides in a moldy classroom? But before you sign up, you might want to make sure if virtual education really is the best option for you – we’ll give you the low-down on what it is and isn’t. Consider this lesson one!
The Pros:
Virtual drivers ed can be a more self-paced and interactive alternative to regular drivers education class. It lets you work at your own speed, tailored to your personal schedule. It’s usually cheaper than paying tuition at a regular driving school, and your parents save time and gas money since they don’t have to drive you to and fro. But watch out: only in certain areas can you take classes online to meet the 30 hour drivers ed requirement for teens. You’ve lucked out here if you live in: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania or Texas.
Those of you in the rest of the states may still have to do the actual driving school thing (it’s really not too bad!), but online drivers ed courses can still offer you a few advantages: you can complete one to get an auto insurance discount, or to take practice permit tests.. some companies will even reimburse your money if you don’t pass on your first try!
If you’re interested in lower car insurance rates (who isn’t?), taking a drivers ed class online can get you up to 10% off of your auto insurance, regardless of where you live or whether you’ve already got your drivers license. This is because some insurance companies reward drivers who take drivers education or a defensive driving course -check with your provider first to see if they can give you a special “safe driver” discount.
The Cons:
Even if you live in a state that lets you take drivers ed online, keep in mind that an internet-based course won’t take care of all the driving requirements you need to fulfill before you get your permit – you will still more than likely have to take several hours of actual, on-the-road drivers training as well. Depending on where you live, you can either sign up for driving instruction at a school, or have your parents teach you. Check your state’s driving manual for specifics.
Take into consideration what type of learner you are: while online drivers ed may be a more convenient and flexible alternative to traditional class, don’t think you can cut corners and skip the material! You’ll need a bit of discipline to make sure you stay focused on the work, even for just 20 minutes a day. If you’re too easily distracted by all the other cool stuff online like games, IM, and MySpace, you’ll never finish the course. If you learn better in a structured classroom environment, then this option may not be for you.
So, to wrap up: if you do decide that online drivers ed is for you, make sure to choose a company that’s solid and reputable, just like you would in non-virtual life. Search the web for other people’s reviews, and check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. Ready to get started? Best of luck, and don’t be late to class!
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